Viver com um irmão com doença oncológica

: estudo qualitativo sobre o impacto psicológico em idade pediátrica e repercussões no jovem adulto

Abstract

Oncological diseases are the leading cause of death in children and young people aged over one year. For this reason, investigations have been focused on understanding the healthy siblings grieving processes about the loss of a sibling, but there is a lack of literature focused to understanding the psychological impact a cancer disease may have on the development of a healthy sibling when him/her survives. In this regard, the main objective of the present study was to understand what impact the oncological illness of a sibling, experienced during the childhood phase of both, had on the development process and its repercussions on the life of the young adult. The sample was composed of young adults, aged between 23 and 28 years who, during childhood, had a sibling, also a minor, with cancer disease, who survived. The data was collected through an interview that participants responded to in writing, including sociodemographic data and open-ended questions to explore different themes. The results revealed that having a sibling with cancer disease during childhood and adolescence has short-, medium- and long-term consequences for the healthy sibling. Most participants identified experienced emotional management difficulties, increased conflicts in the family cycle and a tendency to develop anxiety symptoms. There were participants who identified this phase as having potential for greater fraternal and family unity, as well as having allowed, with psychological support and family openness, the development of a better empathic capacity and emotional self-regulation strategies.

Date of Award	28 Jun 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Susana Costa Ramalho (Supervisor)